Instructor(s): Simon Stern

One of the central goals of our JD program is to train students to “think like lawyers.” The Legal Methods intensive course is designed to introduce students to the foundational information and reasoning needed to make the most of the JD program from the outset. 
 
The course will provide general background information on the foundations of the Canadian legal system, such as the important legal institutions, the distinction between private and public law, the sources of law, and the relationship between core first year courses. 
 
The course will emphasize legal analytical methods and techniques used by law students. The course provides an introduction to analyzing and briefing cases, teaching students to identify key elements of a case and how to use precedents. The course also introduces students to statutory interpretation, the interaction between courts and the legislature, and an introduction on to how to prepare for and write law school exams. 

Evaluation
This class is evaluated on a credit/no credit basis. To receive credit for the course, a student must attend all classes and satisfactorily complete two assignments: (1) a take-home briefing exercise; and (2) an in-class legal writing exercise.
Academic year
2023 - 2024

At a Glance

First Term
Credits
2
Hours
24

Enrolment

Maximum
85

85 JD